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The right inspirational birthday poems have uplifting birthday messages that can actually transform the lives of the ones you love — just like the poems for birthdays on this page.

What is the right type of inspirational poem? If your aim is to be a positive influence, choose inspirational poetry that can inspire your loved ones to become the best versions of themselves.

Only you know what can make the ones you love better people, so only you can make the right poem choice .

Message Guy Tip:How to pick inspirational birthday poems

Not all inspirational poems are created equal. Sifting through all the options in this section to find the right poem for your loved one is easier with a little help from Message Guy. simply click here to see Message Guy Tip #96, a treasury of helpful hints on choosing the best inspirational poem for any birthday boy or girl.

One of the inspirational poems I chose (the one right below) cleverly and powerfully touches upon the kind of promises we make to ourselves in our pursuit of happiness. Who is the best type of person to receive this poem?
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Interestingly enough, the name of this poem — The Vow — pretty much tells you the type of person who should receive it as a birthday message: anyone who needs to take a vow (by definition, a solemn promise, pledge or personal commitment) to better themselves, no matter what their circumstances are. Inspirational birthday poems like The Vow take this idea to a whole new level.

When I read this poem, I can't help but hear the "The Little Engine That Could" nursery rhyme playing over and over in my head. That's because The Vow is all about moving forward...despite the uphill battle you may face ahead.

The Vow cleverly and simultaneously mentions and dismisses every elephant in the room (every possible obstacle to happiness), showing just how determined the writer (and, vicariously, the readers of the poem) should be to live out their lives happily, in peace.

This poem is packed with inspirational birthday messages that are guaranteed to make a very positive, very significant impact.
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THE VOWBy Malcolm O. Varner

No matter how deep the sadness,Or wide the pain, I vow to live, For a brighter day will come again.

No matter how many mistakes, I've made in the past,I vow to live,And in the future avoid them, Surefooted and fast.

No matter how many tragedies,Beyond my control take place, I vow to live,And stay my course within this race.

No matter how poor or rich, I may ever be, I vow to live,And aspire to search,For the dignity in simplicity.

No matter how much a lover,May pierce the core of my heart, I vow to live, For like spring I'll get a new start.

No matter how isolated and alone, I may feel, I vow to live,And do something,For someone else to heal.

No matter how hopeless,My situation may appear, I vow to live,And reflect,Until my viewpoint is clear.

No matter what happens in this life,Good or bad,I vow to live, Do my best, And, just for living, be glad.

See the Top 10 inspirational quotes of all time

MAY YOU ONLY KNOWBy Message Guy

Happy birthday!May you only know...Joy that makes you share.Troubles that make you thrive.Sadness that makes you care.Hope that makes you dream.Failure that makes you succeed.Success that makes you rejoice.Friends that make you laugh.Passion that makes you live.Love that makes you love more.

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This is one of those inspirational birthday poems with a simple message that can have a major impact on someone's life. What's the message? Who would most benefit from it?
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The message of this inspirational poem — be a good person and take the high road — is simple but has profoundly meaningful ramifications.

Although Before You by William Arthur Ward does not spell out the rewards of being a good person, the poem implies that listening, thinking, earning, investigating, waiting, forgiving, trying, saving and giving are preferable to just speaking, writing, spending, investing, criticizing, praying, quitting, retiring and dying, offering the reward of a life better lived — in other words, a more fulfilling, more joyous life.

This is one of those inspirational birthday poems that would be ideal for birthday boys and girls who need a reality check, a message that reminds them about what really matters in life: the ones you love and others less fortunate than you. What a powerful, uplifting message to give your loved ones on their birthday.

If you would like to add a personal birthday wish, here's a recommendation that should fit the poem: Before you fret that it’s your birthday again, celebrate! Have a happy, happy birthday!◄ Read less

BEFORE YOUBy William Arthur Ward

Before you speak, listen.Before you write, think.Before you spend, earn.Before you invest, investigate.Before you criticize, wait.Before you pray, forgive.Before you quit, try.Before you retire, save.Before you die, give.

THERE'S MORE TO YOUBy Message Guy

There's more to you,More hopes to get up,More dreams to follow,More illusions to live,More plans to change,More ambitions to fulfill,And more faith to recapture.

Happy birthday!

Need to see more inspirational birthday poems?See more inspirational birthday poems below...

The title of this poem — The Joy of Life — says it all. But what makes life a joy? That's anybody's guess. In other words, it's pretty much up to interpretation. According to poet Berton Braley...
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Taking chances is what makes life livable. That's the key message in one of Berton Braley's inspirational birthday poems, The Joy of Life. Cleverly, he keeps this message simple, easy to digest and impactful.

Who can deny that the "game's in the playing"? Not too many people. Time and time again, life has shown me that it's far better to "do" something than "have" something.

Inspirational birthday poems, like The Joy of Life, are best suited for birthday boys and girls who need a quick "pick me up" after a long-drawn-out letdown. This and other inspirational birthday poems by Berton Braley can truly inspire your loved ones to take another shot at their dreams.

If you would like to add a birthday wish, you may want to use the following birthday message: May you rediscover the joy of life with every encounter, every experience and every person that comes your way.◄ Read less

THE JOY OF LIFEBy Berton Braley

I'd rather risk gamely,And lose for my trying,Than grind around tamely,A cog in the mill.

I'd rather fail greatly,With courage undying,Than plod on sedately,With never a thrill.

The game's in the playing,And losing or winning,The fun's in the essaying,Your bravest and best,In taking your chances,While fate's wheel is spinning,And backing your fancies,With nerve and with zest.

The dangers we're sharing,Give living its savour,I'd rather die daring,Than never to dare.

UNPLUG AND PLAYBy Message Guy

When your world is harsh,And life drags you down,Shake off the world,And cast one last frown.

There's no time to fret,The next moment's already here,Another chance to shine,And hold what you hold dear.

So go off to unplug and play,You have time on your hands,Life is full of beauty,Take all the joy you can.

THERE IS STILL TIMEBy Author Unknown

Don't dwell on what might have been,Or the chances you have missed, Or the lonely nights that lie,Between the last time lovers kissed.

Don't grasp too hard,Memories of things that never came,The door that did not open,Or the wind that killed the flame.There is still time enough to live…And time enough to try again.

YOUR SONG IS SWEETBy Message Guy

Your song is sweet,Your smile is magic,Your touch is warm,Your word is gold,Your light is on,Your laugh is music,Your faith is strong,Your voice is heard,Your heart is pure,Your soul is true,Your life is love,Because you're you.